About Mari Expertise I can answer on mostly everything except questions on Breeding or Pregnancy. Please do not ask me questions on those topics. I do not believe in people breeding their dogs unless they are experienced in the area and in it to better the breed. There is nothing more heartbreaking than a Chihuahua dying at the hands of an unexperienced breeder who was not prepared and bred their beloved pet because it was so cute to have puppies or for their kids to experience the "miracle of life". Please leave this up to the experts. Enough said...
Experience I have been around chihuahuas since I was 15 years old. I have experienced many situations with this dog breed from housebreaking, introducing new dogs, common ailments, skin problems, feeding, etc. Again do not ask me questions on breeding because you will not like what I have to say. I am all about educating responsible owners about this breed not aiding in the decline of the dogs.
Education/Credentials Bachelors degree in Science.
Expert: Mari Date: 6/13/2007 Subject: feeding/teeth
Question I have a 6 year old Chihuahua named Chula (Chiquita Bonita) She has the WORST teeth. I have them cleaned once a year since she was 3 and every year she gets more teeth pulled. She will NOT let me near her to brush them, I am afraid I will hurt her trying to do it she fights me so hard and she is so tiny coming in at 3.3 lbs!! I used to feed her those awful little champions cans of food with her kibble. I now have my dogs on Flint River Ranch and they love it. My question is, should I continue to feed her canned foods or is that making her teeth worse? She is not a chewer she turns her nose up at the thought of chewing a bone. Flint river has a dry water food I just bought (they dont make canned food) but I am afraid that this is what is making her teeth worse but she has a REALLY hard time chewing kibble, she only has 1 back molar left. What do you suggest? Thanks!
Answer Instead of feeding her canned why don't you add a bit of water to the dry kibble, microwave it for about 15 seconds and wait until it isn't hot and try to give it to her that way? I know without those teeth it must be hard to eat anything other than wet, but wet food does contribute to bad teeth, remember they are canines, and their teeth are made for chewing. Try that and see how it goes.
